U.S. patent application number 11/203450 was filed with the patent office on 2007-02-15 for system and method for multiple channel recall.
Invention is credited to Shawn J. Collier.
Application Number | 20070039019 11/203450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37744019 |
Filed Date | 2007-02-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070039019 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Collier; Shawn J. |
February 15, 2007 |
System and method for multiple channel recall
Abstract
Presented herein are system(s), method(s), and apparatus for
providing a channel recall with a plurality of channels. In one
embodiment, there is presented a method for providing content. The
method comprises selecting content from a first channel, until
receiving a recall signal; receiving the recall signal; switching
from selecting content from the first channel to selecting content
from a second channel after receiving the recall signal; selecting
content from the second channel until receiving another recall
signal; receiving the another recall signal; and switching from
selecting content from the second channel to selecting content from
a third channel after receiving the recall signal.
Inventors: |
Collier; Shawn J.; (Santa
Clara, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCANDREWS HELD & MALLOY, LTD
500 WEST MADISON STREET
SUITE 3400
CHICAGO
IL
60661
US
|
Family ID: |
37744019 |
Appl. No.: |
11/203450 |
Filed: |
August 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/37 ;
348/E5.097; 455/154.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/50 20130101; H04N
21/4221 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101; H04N 2005/4412 20130101;
H04N 21/44222 20130101; H04N 21/4347 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/037 ;
455/154.1 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/445 20060101
H04N005/445; H04B 1/18 20060101 H04B001/18 |
Claims
1. A method for providing content, said method comprising:
selecting content from a first channel, until receiving a recall
signal; receiving the recall signal;. switching from selecting
content from the first channel to selecting content from a second
channel after receiving the recall signal; selecting content from
the second channel until receiving another recall signal; receiving
the another recall signal; and switching from selecting content
from the second channel to selecting content from a third channel
after receiving the recall signal.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the content from the first
channel, second channel, and third channel is multiplexed onto a
wired communication link.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the content from the first
channel, second channel, and third channel is multiplexed onto a
radio frequency band.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the content comprises audio
data.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the content comprises video
data.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: selecting content
from the third channel until receiving an additional recall signal;
and receiving the additional recall signal; and switching from
selecting the content from the third channel to selecting content
from the fourth channel, after receiving the additional recall
signal.
7. A system for providing content, said system comprising: a
receiver for receiving a recall signal, and another recall signal;
a circuit for selecting content from a first channel, until the
receiver receives the recall signal, switching from selecting
content from the first channel to selecting content from a second
channel after the receiver receives the recall signal, selecting
content from the second channel until the receiver receives the
another recall signal, and switching from providing content from
the second channel to selecting content from a third channel after
the receiver receives the recall signal.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the circuit comprises a transport
processor.
9. The system of claim 7, wherein the circuit further comprises: a
decoder for decoding content from the first channel, until the
receiver receives the recall signal, switching from decoding the
content from the first channel to decoding the content from the
second channel after the receiver receives the recall signal,
decoding the content from the second channel until the receiver
receives the another recall signal, and switching from decoding the
content from the second channel to decoding content from a third
channel after the receiver receives the recall signal.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein the content comprises video
data, said circuit further comprising: a display engine for
providing video data from the first channel for display until the
receiver receives the recall signal, switching from providing the
video data from the first channel for display to providing the
video data from the second channel for display, providing the video
data from the second channel for display until the receiver
receives the another recall signal, switching from providing the
video data from the second channel for display to providing video
data from the third channel for display after the receiver receives
the another recall signal.
11. The system of claim 7, wherein the content comprises audio
data.
12. The system of claim 7, wherein the first channel, second
channel, and third channel are multiplexed onto a wired
communication link.
13. The system of claim 7, wherein the first source, second source,
and third source are multiplexed onto a radio frequency band.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE
[0003] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A user can select channels for display on a display device
in a variety of ways. For example, the user can provide an
identifier identifying the channel through selection of appropriate
buttons on a control panel. However, modern cable and satellite
television providers provide, several hundreds, if not thousands of
different programming channels to select from. The channels are
often identified by three or more digits. Where a user wishes to
briefly view the content from a number of channels before selecting
a channel, known as channel surfing, it may be inconvenient for the
user to provide the channel identifier for each of the number of
channels.
[0005] Another way that a user can select channels is with an up
and down channel selection button. In an alphabetical or numerical
channel ordering scheme, the up or down channel selection button
selects the next channel in the ordering scheme from the currently
viewed channel. For example, in a numerical channel-ordering
scheme, where channel #314 is displayed, the up channel selection
button may cause a switch to channel #315. The down channel
selection button may cause a switch to channel #313. The up/down
channel function advantageously allows the user to channel surf,
while pressing only a single key to traverse the channels.
[0006] However, the resulting channels from the up/down channel
selections are dependent on the currently displayed channel. Where
the channels that the user wishes to briefly view are not proximate
with respect to each other in the channel-ordering scheme, use of
the up/down channel selection may be inconvenient. For example,
where the user wishes to briefly view channels #315 and #207 before
selecting a channel, the use of the up/down channel button may be
inconvenient.
[0007] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and
traditional approaches will become apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the art through comparison of such systems with the
present invention as set forth in the remainder of the present
application with reference to the drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Presented herein are system(s), method(s), and apparatus for
a multiple channel recall function, substantially as shown in
and/or described in connection with at least one of the figures, as
set forth more completely in the claims.
[0009] These and other advantages and novel features of the present
invention, as well as illustrated embodiments thereof will be more
fully understood from the following description and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a timing diagram for providing content in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram for providing content in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012]
[0013] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary system for
providing content in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary controller in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an exemplary controller in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram for adding channels to a channel
recall in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for adding channels to a channel
recall in accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary remote control in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a timing
diagram for providing content in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. FIG. 1 will be described with reference to
FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram for providing content in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] At 205, content from a first channel is selected. The term
channel shall refer to a logical communication path over a shared
or multiplexed media. The shared or multiplexed media can comprise,
for example, a radio frequency band, a wired connection, or an
optical communication link. The channel can comprise a channel in,
for example, a frequency division multiple access scheme (FDMA), a
time divisional multiple access scheme (TDMA), or a code division
multiple access (CDMA) scheme. Additionally, the channels can
include radio, television, cable, or satellite channels.
[0021] The content from the first channel 105a is selected until
receiving a recall signal 110. The recall signal 110 is a signal
that provides a command to select a previously designated channel.
The previously selected channel is not identified in the recall
signal. This is advantageous because a user can initiate selection
of the previously designated channel selection by pressing only a
single button on a control panel, such as a remote control.
Additionally, unlike a channel up or channel down, the previously
designated channel can be any channel that is available for
selection, and can be determined without knowledge of the presently
selected channel.
[0022] In certain embodiments, the previously selected channel can
be the most recently viewed channel prior to the current channel.
Upon another recall signal, the previously selected channel can be
the second most recently viewed channel prior to viewing the
current channel. Upon a third initiation of the recall signal, the
previously selected channel can be the third most recently viewed
channel prior to viewing the current channel.
[0023] Alternatively, a number of channels can be designated by the
user. The channels can form a circular queue, wherein successive
recall signals select channels by traversing the circular
queue.
[0024] At 210, the recall signal is received. At 215, selection of
content from the first channel is switched to selection of content
from a second channel 105b after receiving the recall signal 110.
Content from the second channel 110 is selected at 220 until
another recall signal 120 is received at 225. After receiving the
recall signal 120 at 225, at 230, selection of content from the
second channel 105b is switched to selection of content from a
third channel 105c.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a block
diagram of an exemplary system 300 for providing content. The
system 300 comprises a circuit 305 and a receiver 310. The receiver
310 is capable of receiving signals corresponding to user commands.
These signals can include channel recall functions. The signals can
be infrared signals, radio signals, or electrical signals.
[0026] The circuit 305 receives content from a plurality of
channels 315. The plurality of channels 315 comprises a first 315a,
second 315b, and third channel 315c. The circuit 305 can select
content from a particular one of the channels in a variety of ways.
For example, the circuit 305 can comprise a tuner that is tuned to
a particular frequency corresponding to a selected channel.
Alternatively, the circuit 305 can comprise a demodulator that
demodulates the content from the selected channel.
[0027] The circuit 305 selects content from a first channel 315a,
until the receiver 310 receives the recall signal. Responsive
thereto, the circuit 305 switches from selecting content from the
first channel 315a to selecting content from a second channel after
the receiver receives the recall signal, selecting content from the
second channel until the receiver receives the another recall
signal, and switching from providing content from the second
channel to selecting content from a third channel after the
receiver receives the recall signal.
[0028] In certain embodiments of the present invention, content
from the first, second, and third channel can be transmitted in
data packets. For example, in a digital cable broadcast, the video
data from a plurality of channels is compressed, packetized,
multiplexed, and transmitted over a coaxial cable to subscribers.
In a digital satellite broadcast, the video data is transmitted
over a wireless satellite link to subscribers. A decoder system
receives the packets carrying content from the first, second, and
third channel, and provides the content from at least one of the
channels to the user. In certain embodiments, the circuit 305 can
comprise a transport processor, a video decoder, a display engine,
and an audio decoder 425.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block
diagram of an exemplary decoder system in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The decoder system 400
comprises an input buffer 403, a transport processor 410, a video
decoder 415, a display engine 420, and an audio decoder 425.
[0030] The decoder system 400 receives data packets carrying
content from any number of audio 405a (0 . . . m) and video
channels 405v (0 . . . n). An input buffer 403 stores the packets.
A transport processor 410 can select packets carrying content from
any selected video channels 405v( ) and any selected audio channels
405a( ). The transport processor 410 writes the content from the
packets carrying the content from the selected video channel 405v(
) to a compressed data buffer 415. The video decoder 420
decompresses the content from the compressed data buffer 415. The
display engine 430 provides the decompressed content to a display
device 440 for display.
[0031] The transport processor 410 provides the content from the
selected audio channel to the audio decoder 425. The audio decoder
425 decompresses the content from the selected audio channel and
provides the decompressed content to a speaker 435.
[0032] The transport processor 410, video decoder 420, display
engine 430, and audio decoder 425 can be slaves under the control
of a controller 450. The controller 450 receives signals via a
receiver Rx from a control panel 460 that can be operated by a
user. The control panel 460 receives a command from a user and
transmits a corresponding signal 465 to the receiver Rx. The signal
can comprise, for example, an infrared signal, a radio signal, or
an electronic signal.
[0033] The receiver 460 provides a signal to the controller 450.
The controller 450 commands the transport processor 410, video
decoder 420, display engine 430, and audio decoder 425 accordingly.
The controller 450 is equipped to command the transport processor
410 to select particular the packets carrying content from
particular video channels 405v( ) and audio channels 405a( ).
[0034] A user can select channels in a variety of ways. For
example, the user can provide an identifier identifying the channel
through selection of appropriate buttons on the control panel 460.
However, modern cable and satellite television providers provide
several hundreds, if not thousands of different programming
channels to select from. The channels are often identified by three
or more digits. Where a user wishes to briefly view the content
from a number of channels before selecting a channel, known as
channel surfing, it may be inconvenient for the user to provide the
channel identifier for each of the number of channels.
[0035] Another way that a user can select channels is with an up
and down channel selection button. In an alphabetical or numerical
channel ordering scheme, the up or down channel selection button
selects the next channel in the ordering scheme from the currently
viewed channel. For example, in a numerical channel-ordering
scheme, where channel #314 is displayed, the up channel selection
button may cause a switch to channel #315. The down channel
selection button may cause a switch to channel #313. The up/down
channel function advantageously allows the user to channel surf,
while pressing only a single key to traverse the channels.
[0036] However, the resulting channels from the up/down channel
selections are dependent on the currently displayed channel. Where
the channels that the user wishes to briefly view are not proximate
with respect to each other in the channel-ordering scheme, use of
the up/down channel selection may be inconvenient. For example,
where the user wishes to briefly view channels #315 and #207 before
selecting a channel, the use of the up/down channel button may be
inconvenient.
[0037] Another way that a user may select channels is with a recall
function. The recall function causes a previously designated
channel to be selected. The previously designated channels can be
maintained in a circular queue. Receipt of recall signals by the
controller 450 via the receiver Rx, causes the controller 450 to
select channels by traversing the circular queue.
[0038] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the
previously selected channel can be the most recently viewed channel
prior to the current channel. Upon another recall signal, the
previously selected channel can be the second most recently viewed
channel prior to viewing the current channel. Upon a third
initiation of the recall signal, the previously selected channel
can be the third most recently viewed channel prior to viewing the
current channel.
[0039] Alternatively, a number of channels can be designated by the
user. The channels can form a circular queue, wherein successive
recall signals select channels by traversing the circular
queue.
[0040] It is also noted that more than one video channel 405v( )
can be provided. For example, a number of display devices have what
is known as a picture in picture PIP feature. The PIP feature
allows the video content of another video channel 405v( ) to be
displayed in a small portion of the display. The recall signals can
initial channel changes on either the main picture or the PIP.
Additionally, separate previously designated channels can exist for
the main picture and the PIP. In certain embodiments of the present
invention, the transport processor 410, video decoder 420 and
display engine 430 can select, decompress, and provide the content
from each of the video channels. Alternatively, separate transport
processor 410, video decoder. 420, and display engine 430 can be
associated with each of the video channels.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated a block
diagram of an exemplary controller 450 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The controller 450 comprises
an input 505. The controller 450 operates a circular queue 510. The
circular queue 510 can have any number of memory locations 515(0 .
. . n). Each memory location 515 stores an identifier identifying
an audio channel 405a( ), video channel 405v( ), audio and video
channel pair 405a( )/405v( ). Additionally, a video channel
identifier 405v( ) may identify a corresponding audio channel 405a(
).
[0042] A channel pointer 520 points to a particular memory location
515, e.g., memory location 515(x), that stores the channel(s) 405a(
)/405v( ) to switch to when a recall signal is received. When a
recall signal is received, the channel pointer 520 points to the
next memory location 515(x+1) in the circular queue 510.
[0043] The number of memory locations 515 in the circular queue 510
can be set in a number of ways. A graphical user interface provided
by the controller 450 to allow the user to configure various
features of the decoder system 400 may allow the user to set the
number of memory locations 515 in he circular queue 510.
Additionally, the graphical user interface may also allow the user
to populate the circular queue 510.
[0044] Alternatively, each time the user switches from previous
channel(s) to subsequent channel(s), either manually, or by use of
the up/down channel, identifiers of the previous channel(s) are
stored in the circular queue, if not already there. The previous
channel(s) are stored in the last location 515(x-1) of the circular
queue, and the channel pointer 520 is set to point to location
515(x-1).
[0045] In another embodiment, the control panel 460 may include a
special button, or a combination of buttons thereon, that transmit
a signal to the receiver Rx. The signal provides a command to the
controller 450 to add another memory location 515(y) between the
last location 515(x-1) and the current location 515(x) in the
circular queue 510, and store identifier(s) of the currently
provided channel(s) 405v( )/405a( ) in memory location 515(y).
[0046] In certain embodiments, the circular queue 510 can comprise
a register-based memory forming a portion of the controller 450. In
other embodiments of the present invention, the circular queue 510
can comprise memory that is separate from the controller 450.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is illustrated a flow diagram
for providing the content in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention. At 605, the controller 450 receives a command.
At 610, a determination is made whether the command received during
605 is a recall command from a recall signal or an add to recall
command from an add to recall signal.
[0048] If at 610, the command is a recall command from a recall
signal.! at 615 the controller 450 commands the transport processor
410 to switch to selecting content from the channel(s) identified
by the contents of the memory location 515, e.g., 515(x) identified
by the channel pointer 520. At 617, the transport processor 410
switches. At 620, the channel pointer 520 moves forward into the
circular queue 510 to point at memory location 515(x+1).
[0049] If at 610, the command is an add to recall command from an
add to recall signal, the controller 450 adds (at 625) a memory
location 515(y) between the last memory location 515(x-1) and the
memory location pointed to by the channel pointer 520, memory
location 515(x). At 630, the currently provided channel(s) are
stored in the memory location 515(y).
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a flow diagram
for displaying content in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention. At 705, the controller 450 receives a command.
At 710, a determination is made whether the command received during
705 is a recall command from a recall signal or a change channel
command.
[0051] If at 710, the command is a recall command from a recall
signal, at 715 the controller 450 commands the transport processor
410 to switch to selecting content from the channel(s) identified
by the contents of the memory location 515, e.g., 515(x) identified
by the channel pointer 520. At 717, the transport processor 410
switches. At 720, the channel pointer 520 moves forward into the
circular queue 510 to point at memory location 515(x+1).
[0052] If at 710, the command is change channel command, the
controller 450 writes (at 725) the currently displayed channel
(prior to the channel change) to the last memory location, e.g.,
memory location 515(x-1). At 727, the transport processor switches
the channel. At 730, the channel pointer 520 points to the last
memory location 515(x-1).
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated a block
diagram of an exemplary control panel 465 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. The control panel 465
comprises a plurality of buttons 805. Depressing a particular one
of the buttons 805' by a user causes the control panel 465 to
transmit a signal to a receiver Rx commanding a controller 450 to
place the currently provided channel(s) into the circular queue
510.
[0054] The embodiments described herein may be implemented as a
board level product, as a single chip, application specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), or with varying levels of the system
integrated with other portions of the system as separate
components. Alternatively, if a commercially available processor is
available as an ASIC core or logic block, then the commercially
available processor can be implemented as part of an ASIC device
wherein certain aspects of the present invention are implemented as
firmware.
[0055] The degree of integration may primarily be determined by the
speed and cost considerations. Because of the sophisticated nature
of modern processors, it is possible to utilize a commercially
available processor, which may be implemented external to an ASIC
implementation.
[0056] While the present invention has been described with
reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0057] Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the present
invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is
intended that the present invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present invention
will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *